Thoughts of postcards likely bring a deep nostalgia to many people. Some might even wonder if they can still be found in the far flung parts of the world? The fact is, they are still sold, and there are many reasons why you should be buying and sending them.
Postcards are one of the easiest souvenirs that we can pick up on our travels. They are available everywhere, even at the airport if you’ve forgotten until the last moment. They are inexpensive and they are so much more than a picture on a card.
Since early 2020, we’ve all had our travel plans changed at some point. Whether it was a family vacation to see historic gems in Ireland or a luxury small group tour you were looking forward to with friends, it’s likely you’ve faced delays or cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic. That’s why returning to travel feels even sweeter and as countries open their borders, the memories we make on our next luxury tour will be more treasured than ever.
Reasons to Send a Postcard
Sending a postcard is now seen as out of the ordinary, which provides even more reason to send one. Everyone can make an Insta story on their smartphone, or a short video on Facebook to show everyone what a great time they’re having on vineyard tour or the stunning details of luxury hotels, but a postcard is something tangible that will last longer.
Sending one to yourself is a rewarding experience that takes a short amount of time, but will have a much greater impact in the future. Here are seven reasons why you should send yourself a postcard from your amazing vacation.
The Perfect Souvenir
Each destination has its own kitsch souvenir, like cowbells from Switzerland and mini sumo wrestler ornaments from Japan. Some people absolutely adore these, but mostly you find it amusing at the time and it simply collects dust when you get home.
Photo by Photo Mick Haupt
Your postcards can be hung in plain sight, such as on the fridge or on a pinboard in your bedroom or study, reminding you of an incredible adventure you went on years ago.
A Reminder for Years to Come
The incredible power of imagery means that a simple glance can transport you back to an exceptional venue you discovered on your travels. You might be transported back to your VIP Experience at the Vatican Museum in Rome or the views of Pont du Gard in Provence.
You might lose your camera, or forget to download the photos from your old phone, but your postcard will be there to take you down memory lane.
Postcards often spark conversations too. Perhaps your neighbor will see when they pop around for a coffee or your grandchildren may ask where the postcard came from?
A Quick Way to Record Details
Sometimes it’s the beautiful mundane details that bring joy. When you mail yourself a postcard, you can jot down about the tiny restaurant that your Traveling Concierge booked mid-way through the vacation that you want to remember for your next visit.
After a long day of exploring, it’s hard to remember all the details of the day, but if you pick a postcard up as you go, you can jot down some notes over a meal.
You might note down the afternoon you spent exploring the Jewish Quarter in Prague, or a funny character you spoke to over dinner. Your postcard will certainly evoke a memory that you might have forgotten otherwise.
Enrich Your Journey
The simple act of buying and sending a postcard on your travels is something that can add something unexpected to your vacation.
Perhaps it will support the work of a local artist or photographer, if you buy one of their postcards? If you need to buy stamps, you may meet some of the locals and need to speak a few words of their language to explain?
You’ll certainly learn something about a foreign postal system; the price of a stamp and the friendliness of those who sell them!
Build a Collection
If you make it a mission to build your own collection of postcards, not only do you get the benefit of the memories and photos, but much else besides.
On your postcard, there’ll be the stamp from that country. Some of these may show their head of state, a national emblem or might be a limited edition from an event taking place that year, such as the Olympics or a sports tournament. These are another unique reminder of the place you have visited.
Photo by Mason B. on Unsplash
The stamp will show you when and where it was posted, so you’ll never forget the date of the vacation either. You’ll have an amazing collection that is unique to you.
To Pass Down to Family Members
If you build a collection, you can dip into it with family members. Simply choosing one can spark off a conversation about the exclusive hotel you stayed in, overlooking the pyramids in Egypt, or the extraordinary wildlife in Cape Point Nature Reserve, South Africa.
Your assortment of postcards can form a family heirloom that is particular to your travels. Imagine how special that will be to future generations? Borders may have changed; certain countries may be less accessible or (more likely) different destinations may become more fashionable. Your postcards will be a snapshot of a time passed in your own life adventure.
Conserve all your postcards in a photo album for a beautiful family keepsake.
Discover Your Next Travel Adventure
In order to start building your new collection, you need to book your next vacation. Luckily, Luxury Gold has an amazing selection of last minute travel specials this summer. Europe has opened its borders so you can a luxury guided tour steeped in culture on Spain & Portugal in Style or uncover the treasures of the Adriatic on Captivating Croatia and Montenegro.
You’ll be accompanied by a Traveling Concierge and Well-Being Director for every step of your journey, so you can travel with confidence. We’re also offering full flexibility to change your dates or destination up to 30 days before your departure, for your peace of mind.
